Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!

RISD has just made the official announcement.

Lake Highlands High School has a new principal.

Making the move from Westwood Junior High School in Richardson, Peggy Dillon will assume the lead position at LHHS effective July 14th.

With a long line of service to the district, including her assistant principal role at Pearce High School, Ms. Dillon actually began her tenure with the district as a teacher at Lake Highlands Junior High.

Her return to Lake Highlands is something she's extremely excited about.

"My career in education began in Lake Highlands, and I couldn't be more excited about coming back," said Dillon just this afternoon.

"When I first came to interview with the district, I walked into Lake Highlands Junior High and before I had met or talked to anyone, I just had this feeling."

"I remembering thinking to myself, ‘this is where I need to be.’"

Dillon speaks highly of the Lake Highlands community, its rich traditions, its level of involvement. She says she's looking forward to being a part of it all.

"I can't wait to wear red and black again!"

"Lake Highlands is known for its tradition of champions. Whether its fine arts, academics or athletics, I really believe in education of the whole child, and I know Lake Highlands High School strives toward the same goal."

"I am truly committed to LHHS and to this community," said Dillon. "I am really excited about getting in there and getting to know everyone."

It's certainly been a bit of a whirlwind process, with all the pieces falling into place quickly.

Following the announcement of Walter Kelly's resignation on June 9th, RISD immediately began the process of finding his replacement.

Working together with the Campus Reflector Committee and the Screening Committee, RISD Superintendent Dr. Kay Waggoner got down to business beginning just last week, Thursday, June 17th.

It says a lot about our new principal that the process moved both swiftly and smoothly.

"I am very confident that Ms. Dillon is the right choice to lead Lake Highlands High School," said Dr. Waggoner.

"We appreciate the parents, community members and staff who provided input as we worked through the selection process."

Following a highly anticipated personal vacation, Dillon's official start date in her new role is slated for July 14th, but she's already been hard at work.

"I've been setting meetings to get the ball rolling and have already spent time with Walter, visiting and getting caught up on things already in place," says Dillon.

"We can't let any time lapse. I want to get right to work!"

On behalf of Lake Highlands, Ms. Dillon, we'd like to say "Welcome home."

Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!

PS - See you at the Boneyard!